Yes, you must clean your mattress. Here's how - Yahoo Finance

Yes, you must clean your mattress. this is like

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We spend a lot of time in bed, so it's no wonder mattresses get dirty. Between the animals that sleep in your bed and the mites that take up residence, there's no shortage of horror stories.

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But don't panic. You probably don't need to change your mattress just yet . We have expert tips and tricks on how to clean your mattress at home.

Throw away the bed before cleaning your mattress

The first step in cleaning a mattress is stripping the bed.

The first step is to remove the physical barriers between you and the mattress. Remove your bedding, pillows , sheets and mattress protectors .

"You need to remove as many layers as possible to get rid of all the dirt, dust, etc. that's seeping through," says Jon Chan, senior director of lab operations for Review and resident cleaning expert.

It's true: while you're sleeping, sweat and skin from your body can seep into the mattress and stay there if you don't do something about it.

Place the sheets and mattress protector in the washing machine while you clean the mattress. Check fabric labels as they provide detailed cleaning instructions.

Your mattress may also have a quilted cover that can be opened or removed. Check your mattress brand's protocol as some are removable and others are not. For example: the Nectar mattress cover is technically washable, but removing it will void the company's warranty.

Vacuum your mattress

Your vacuum cleaner is the first line against dust and dust mites trapped in your mattress.

Vacuum your mattress to remove dirt and dust. But before you jump into bed with a big handheld vacuum, a handheld vacuum is the perfect tool.

Some cordless vacuums even come with a special head for cleaning mattresses. Dyson, one of our trusted brands, offers a mattress tool that attaches to a number of their machines.

"All types of mattresses should be vacuumed regularly to remove dust and allergens," says Madeline Miller, Product Specialist at The Laundress . "We recommend vacuuming at least once a month and before deep cleaning, maybe more often if there are allergens in the home such as: B. Pets."

Don't just vacuum the top of the mattress. He adds that you should vacuum the sides of the mattress, under the bed, and behind the headboard.

Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress

Baking soda is your friend when cleaning a mattress.

Baking soda really is a miracle ingredient. It is not only suitable for baking cookies, but also for removing odors.

"Sodium bicarbonate is an amphoteric oxide," explains Chan. "That means it reacts with strong acids and alkalis, which create some of the strongest odors and render them ineffective."

Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and let it sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum your mattress again.

If you're just doing a general update, you can put your linens back on and you're good to go. You can even consider rotating your mattress after cleaning so it wears out evenly. Check with your mattress manufacturer for specific guidelines.

Remember to spray your mattress

Steaming isn't just for clothes. You can also spray your mattress.

"Another way to freshen up your mattress and neutralize odors is with steam," says Miller. "The high heat of the steam loosens dirt, grime and sweat from the surface and neutralizes odors."

She says you should place the steamer six inches from your mattress and move it up and down the entire surface and up the sides.

spot clean

If you see stains on your mattress, you can gently wipe them away.

To get rid of certain sweat stains and coffee stains, just wipe them off. But don't use just any cleaning solution and start scrubbing. Some memory foam mattresses don't respond well to typical cleaning products, says Chan.

Also, avoid sharp brushes, especially on foam mattresses. Instead, opt for a soft, lint-free cleaning cloth to get the job done.

"Remember that synthetic materials like memory foam can trap moisture and lead to mold growth," says Miller. "It's important to avoid over-saturating with liquid detergents, as well as scrubbing or using a cleaning brush, as abrasion from the bristles can tear or tear the foam."

If you're dealing with a new spill, start by soaking up excess fluid, Miller says.

Urine stains can be treated by spraying them with white vinegar to fight uric acid and neutralize odors. The washerwoman sells a vinegar-scented essential oil cleaner if you're concerned about a sour-smelling mattress.

The washerwoman also sells a wash and dye piece that can be used on upholstery. Miller recommends working the soapy water into a cleaning cloth and gently rubbing the stain until it lifts. You can then clean the mattress, absorb excess moisture and let it dry before changing the linens. Miller suggests opening a window or putting a fan in the room to air it out while the mattress dries.

Use a mattress protector

A mattress protector keeps sweat, dust and other allergens away.

Using a mattress protector will keep your mattress clean and safe from spills and other messes in the long run.

"Investing in a good mattress cover is also a great way to protect it and extend its life, along with changing your linens weekly to prevent build-up of sweat and odor-causing dead cells," says Miller.

At Reviewed, we love the Slumber Cloud Core waterproof mattress protector , having tested a few of them. Sleep cool and easy to put on and take off. We're also fans of the Tuft & Needle mattress protector, which offers protection on any exposed surface.

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This article originally appeared on Reviewed: How to Clean Your Mattress

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